Villanova’s (10-6, 2-2 in the Big East) small two-game winning streak was short lived, as Providence (12-3, 3-1 in the Big East) was able to knock the ‘Cats off Wednesday night, 62-56.

Both teams struggled to begin the game as the score remained tied at zero for the first three and half minutes, before Jason Fraser stopped the drought and hit a lay-up.

The teams combined to open up a combined 0-8 from the field, with seven of those shots from the three point line.

The first three minutes laid the game plan for the ‘Cats for the rest of the game, shoot a three-pointer when you are open and shoot a three-pointer when you are not. The ‘Cats of late had been on fire from three-point land shooting 60 percent, combined in the last two games.

However, it seemed as if the trip to Providence put a hitch in their touch from downtown, as they struggled shooting 22 percent, hitting only six of their 27 shots.

‘Nova’s problems were not just from the three-point line, but also from the field, shooting 34 percent.

The ‘Cats were lead by Allan Ray, who scored 21 points, and Curtis Sumpter and Jason Fraser who had 11 points a piece.

However, Mike Nardi, who was Big East Rookie last week. and Randy Foye struggled, only scoring a combined 13 points. The two also combined to shot a staggering 1-17 from the field, including 0-13 from the three point line.

The Friars were not flawless either though, as they struggled from three-point-land, hitting only seven of 28 attempts and were only 39 percent from the field.

The Friars though had junior Ryan Gomes to rely on. The lanky forward was fantastic, scoring 27 points and hitting five out of six from three-point-land.

‘Nova trailed at halftime 34-27, however they were able to rally back and even take a 47-45 lead when Ray hit a jumper. But Gomes answered right back and hit a three to take back the lead and the Friars would never relinquish it again.

The ‘Cat’s will look to get back to their winning ways when they travel to Miami this Saturday to take on the Hurricanes (13-5 overall, 3-1 in the Big East). The Hurricanes have been a surprise this season. With the early 13 wins to start the season the Hurricanes have a legitimate chance to make the tournament come March

Then the Wildcats will return home to host Rutgers (9-6 overall, 1-3 in the Big East) next Wednesday. Rutgers is coming off a loss to Miami.

For information on Villanova’s exciting victory over St. John’s at the Pavilion last Saturday turn to page 31.